US Treasurer Brandon Beach minted the last five one-cent coins, ending 232 years of penny production. This decision was made due to rising production costs and changing consumer habits.
A forest fire broke out in Tongariro National Park in New Zealand, covering 1600 hectares. 49 tourists have been evacuated, and rescuers are working to contain the fire.
President Zelenskyy accepted credentials from the newly appointed ambassadors of Great Britain, New Zealand, Chile, and Somalia. Support for Ukraine, strengthening sanctions against Russia, and the development of bilateral relations were discussed.
The Philippines and Canada have signed a visiting forces agreement to enhance security cooperation and counter China's activities in the South China Sea. This pact allows for joint exercises, military presence, and expanded defense cooperation.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that Russia's shadow fleet numbers more than 1,500 vessels, of which 340 are key, and 65 require immediate sanctions. Canada, Britain, Australia, Japan, and the EU are helping with this by reducing imports from the Russian Federation.
New Zealand imposes sanctions on 65 more shadow fleet vessels and entities from Belarus, Iran, and North Korea.
In New Zealand, a 13-year-old boy underwent complex surgery after swallowing up to 100 neodymium magnets purchased online. The magnets clumped together inside his intestines, forming four metallic chains that caused tissue damage.
Mosquitoes, specifically the species Culiseta annulata, have been recorded in Iceland for the first time, a phenomenon linked to global warming. Three specimens were discovered in the Kjós region, which may indicate the species' establishment in the country.
Tropical Storm Melissa, the 13th Atlantic storm of 2025, threatens severe flooding and landslides in Haiti, the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, and Aruba. Melissa's wind speeds reach 80 km/h, and meteorologists warn of dangerous weather throughout the weekend.
A hurricane has hit New Zealand, causing transport and power disruptions. In the country's capital, a man died due to a broken branch, and over 10,000 homes were left without electricity.
More than a thousand homes on New Zealand's coast are at risk due to extreme weather conditions. The country's oceans are warming 34% faster than the global average, which could lead to significant damage.
French military seized the Russian tanker "Pushpa" off the coast of Saint-Nazaire, which repeatedly changed names and flags and is under international sanctions. The vessel is linked to a "ghost fleet" that finances Russian troops and may be involved in sabotage operations.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a meeting on strengthening sanctions policy, instructing to extend the validity of expiring sanctions and accelerate synchronization with partners. In September, Ukraine imposed sanctions against 166 individuals and 127 legal entities, and also synchronized British sanctions.
Parliamentary elections have begun in Moldova, which will determine the composition of the legislative body for the next four years. Voting will take place from 7:00 to 21:00 at 2274 polling stations, of which 1973 are open on the territory of the Republic of Moldova.
The Ukrainian national football team defeated the Republic of Korea with a score of 2:1 at the Youth World Cup. Ukraine will play its next match against Panama on September 30 at 23:00.
On September 27, the 24th FIFA U-20 World Cup kicks off in Chile, where Ukraine will play its first match against South Korea. The tournament will last until October 19, 2025.
Microsoft and Asus have officially opened pre-orders for the ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X, which will go on sale on October 16. Prices for the consoles range from $499 to $1599 depending on the model and region.
Ukraine, the EU, and 36 countries jointly called on Russia to stop the killings and start negotiations with Ukraine. The statement was made at the UN on September 23, 2025.
New iPhone 17 Pro, Pro Max, and iPhone Air models went on sale on September 19, along with Apple Watch SE, Watch Series 11, Watch Ultra 3, and AirPods Pro 3. Demand for Pro models is high, while the iPhone Air may not become a sales leader due to its shortcomings.
Australia has lowered the price cap on Russian oil to US$47. 60 per barrel and imposed sanctions against 95 vessels of Russia's 'shadow fleet'. These measures are aimed at reducing Russia's revenues and have been taken jointly with international partners.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized the need to strengthen sanctions pressure against Russia, especially regarding oil and energy trade. He noted that Europe has already reduced its dependence on Russian energy carriers and called on the United States for a strong sanctions and tariff policy.
On September 12, Brent crude futures fell to $65. 88 per barrel, and WTI to $61.86. The decline was caused by concerns about demand in the US and oversupply.
New Zealand lowers the price cap on Russian oil to $47. 6 per barrel. The country also introduced the 32nd package of sanctions against Russian entities involved in cyberattacks against Ukraine.
A 6. 0 magnitude earthquake struck Afghanistan on August 31, killing over 1,400 people and destroying 5,400 homes. An expert explained that the region is seismically active due to the friction of tectonic plates, and local buildings do not meet safety standards.
The US has narrowed access to information regarding negotiations between Russia and Ukraine, prohibiting the sharing of full intelligence with its "Five Eyes" allies. This decision has sparked discussions about the effectiveness of cooperation and national interests.
New Zealand will spend $1. 6 billion on five MH-60R naval helicopters and two Airbus A321XLR aircraft. This is the largest investment since the decision to modernize the outdated equipment of the defense fleet.
Representatives of the "coalition of the willing" discussed security guarantees for Ukraine. Leaders reaffirmed the need for continued support for Ukraine in the war with Russia.
Today, August 18, marks International Pinot Noir Day and "Never Give Up" Day. Also celebrated are Birth Control Pill Day, Bad Poetry Day, and the Day of Remembrance of Martyrs Florus and Laurus.
South Korea's construction sector has been recognized as the most dangerous among OECD countries with a rate of 1. 6 deaths per 10,000 workers. This is twice the OECD average.
Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich announced the start of construction of a new settlement, which is intended to divide the West Bank and cut it off from East Jerusalem. This step, he said, will block the creation of a Palestinian state.
